Millennials Are 'Quiet Vacationing'—Here's Why They're Faking Work While Taking A Break

Move over, “quiet quitting”—there’s a new trend in town: “quiet vacationing.” In a post-pandemic world where remote work and flexible hours have become the norm, Millennials are finding creative ways to take a breather from work without formally requesting time off.

Instead of submitting leave requests and heading out on official vacations, they’re giving the impression of working remotely by “checking in” with scheduled emails and automated messages while enjoying some well-earned downtime.

This sneaky form of taking a break has left employers frustrated, but Millennials see it as a necessary step to reclaim their work-life balance.

In recent years, both Millennials and Gen Z have transformed workplace attitudes by pushing for greater flexibility and rethinking traditional office norms. Studies show that Millennials value work-life balance more than any previous generation, and this trend has only grown stronger as younger Gen Z employees enter the workforce.

With an increasing focus on mental health, burnout prevention, and personal fulfillment, younger employees are prioritizing their well-being over the traditional hustle culture.

In fact, a 2022 Deloitte survey found that nearly half of Gen Z and Millennial workers feel burned out due to work demands and are twice as likely as older generations to leave a job that threatens their mental well-being.

This shift is largely due to advancements in remote work tools and the growing recognition that a life beyond work is essential. Unlike “workations,” where employees log in from exotic locations, “quiet vacationing” allows employees to subtly unplug without asking for approval.

With tools to maintain appearances and avoid digital idle notifications, Millennials have found a way to balance work demands with personal time—signaling just how far workplace culture has shifted in recent years.

How Millennials Are Pulling Off ‘Quiet Vacationing’

Quiet vacationing has become popular among remote workers who don’t need to be on frequent calls or video meetings. Many Millennials rely on carefully timed emails, Slack check-ins, and automated systems to create the illusion of being online while catching up with friends, running errands, or even binge-watching at home.

According to a Harris Poll study, 37% of Millennials in the U.S. admitted to taking unofficial time off, while 38% used tricks like nudging their mouse to stay active in virtual workspaces.

Photo by Christina Morillo from Pexels

Libby Rodney, Chief Strategy Officer at The Harris Poll, told CNBC that “a giant workaround culture” is unfolding, with Millennials finding creative ways to balance work obligations without sacrificing personal time.

Unlike Gen Z, who often vocalize their demands for work-life balance, Millennials are opting for a subtler approach, blending work with personal life in a way that doesn’t trigger red flags with their employers.

Photo by RDNE Stock project from Pexels

Who’s to Blame—The Employee or Company Culture?

HR experts argue that this trend says more about company culture than employee behavior. Hayley Saunders, an HR consultant, explained that if employees feel they need to take secret breaks, it signals a lack of trust and psychological safety in the workplace.

Employers may need to address underlying issues that drive workers to quietly take breaks rather than openly request time off.

Photo by MART PRODUCTION from Pexels

The Psychology Behind Quiet Vacationing

Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, a renowned happiness researcher, explains that quiet vacationing can be seen as a coping mechanism for Millennials trying to balance work and life. In a world where burnout is rampant, this trend reflects a desire for mental health preservation without the fear of judgment.

He notes that this behavior may stem from a reluctance to ask for time off due to workplace cultures that stigmatize taking breaks. His advice? Setting clear boundaries around work hours and openly discussing mental health can help mitigate these tendencies.

Experts in productivity, like Cal Newport, emphasize the importance of balancing work-life dynamics for remote employees. He suggests that embracing intentional time off can lead to increased creativity and productivity, ultimately benefiting both employees and employers.

Newport recommends scheduling 'digital detox' periods where employees can disconnect entirely, allowing for genuine relaxation. This practice not only combats burnout but also fosters a healthier work environment. By promoting open dialogues about mental wellness, companies can encourage their employees to take necessary breaks without guilt.

“Quiet vacationing” is a clear message from Millennials—they’re committed to work but not at the cost of their well-being.

Are you guilty of a secret break? Share your thoughts, and let’s discuss this quiet rebellion that’s taking the workplace by storm.

Practical Steps for Healing

As the trend of quiet vacationing grows, it's essential for both individuals and organizations to foster environments that prioritize mental health. Dr. Barry Schwartz, a choice researcher, highlights that creating supportive cultures can significantly reduce the stigma surrounding taking breaks. He advises that companies implement policies that encourage regular time off, such as mental health days, which can lead to increased employee satisfaction and productivity.

By normalizing these practices, we can redefine work-life balance in a way that benefits everyone involved, allowing for a healthier, more engaged workforce.